List of all 7 Upcoming Compact SUVs in India in 2014 and later [4.5-10 Lacs]

Love SUVs? Who doesn’t, really. They come handy when venturing out with family and friends and their luggage. While driving one of these, you also tend to get a bit more respect on the road from your fellow motorists.

Motor manufacturers are aware of this extra affection of Indians towards SUVs and are preparing to launch their respective versions of a family getaway and adventure vehicle. The year 2014 promises a lot on that front. Here is a list of all upcoming Compact SUVs that are coming in India in 2014 and thereafter.

1. Tata Nexon

Engine: Petrol & Diesel (not confirmed)

Transmission: Manual and 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission)

Launch: 2016

Expected Price Range: INR 6.0-9 lacs

The sub-4-meter Nexon was unveiled during the Auto Expo 2014 in Delhi in its concept form. The vehicle is based on the X1 platform and has a 3-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 109 bhp and 170 Nm. The top speed is claimed to be 180 kmph with fuel efficiency of 17.6 kmpl. Nexon also boasts of an optional electric 4WD drive. The vehicle is said to be highly customizable. However, expect a lot of it to tone down on the production version.

The Adra concept was designed by GM India technical centre at Bangalore. The Adra might go into production later this year for a mid-2015 launch. Expect it to have the 1.3-liter diesel from Sail and possibly the 1.2-liter petrol from Sail twins as well. Adra appears to be a direct EcoSport challenger when it goes on sale in India.

We have a very confusing sketch of the speculated Brio-based compact SUV. Frankly, no details are present at the moment. But it appears that it will be a sub 4 meter SUV based on the small car Brio, which will get the 1.5L diesel engine as well as the 1.2L petrol engine from the Brio as well. Vezel is reportedly scrapped for India and Honda showcased new Vision XS-1 concept SUV at the Auto Expo, details & more pics of which can be found here.

4.Mahindra S101-S102

Engine: Petrol & Diesel

Transmission: Manual & Automatic

Launch: Early 2016

Expected Price Range: INR 5.0-8.0 lacs

Mahindra-Ssangyong partnership’s new compact SUV is based on Ssangyong’s X100 and will be globally launched towards the first half of next year. The 5-seater S102 is believed to be more premium product than the S101. The partnership is developing a turbocharged direct injection 1.0 liter petrol engine with variable valve timing and this could find its way into the new SUVs. Interestingly, S101 is the most awaited compact SUV which will be built on a monocoque chassis and is expected to be the most affordable of the lot; prices may start at 4.5 Lakhs as well!

The Avventura, showcased at the Auto Expo was a result of a cross between a hatch and an SUV, however, it is the best looking crossover hatchbacks that we are subjected to see. Fiat has confirmed the launch of this Punto based crossover in India within this year. Engine will be the 1.2L petrol motor as well as the 1.3L multijet diesel engine.

The VW Taigun is expected to sport 1.2TSI petrol and possibly the new 1.5L diesel motor from siblings Polo and Vento when it goes on sale in India sometime later. VW debuted the tiny Taigun in India at the Auto Expo and almost officially confirmed it for our market. Its pricing would be a key since it is a sub 4 meter compact SUV and how much ‘premium’ will VW want to charge.

First showcased in Auto Expo 2012, Maruti’s XA-Alpha is based on Swift’s platform and is one of the most anticipated cars this year. Not sure what engines will it get but this sub 4 meter compact SUV is possibly the most awaited from the lot. A chance of the 1.3L DDIS as well as the 1.2L K-Series petrol making their way onto the car appears bright.

So, the Indian market is hotting up for some real steel-banging action in this compact SUV segment with almost all manufacturers planning to offer something or the other here. Which one would walk away with the pie remains to be seen.